Over the past few weeks I have been thrilled to share with you some of the journaling methods that speak directly to my heart, draw me in, and create channels that enable me to cultivate a practice or Spiritual Discipline that encourages and facilitates my Spiritual growth.
We have discussed various creative journaling methods such as Picture Journals, Pictorial Journals, and Legacy Journals. We also delved into the even more nontraditional journaling methods of Praying in Color, Illustrated Bible Journaling, Journibles, and Squish-it Journals.
Before we close out this series of article, allow me to take some time to share just a few of the more traditional journaling methods.
Prayer Log:
A Prayer Log is a simple listing of prayer requests and their answers/praises. Many journalers date both the requests and the answers as they list them. One helpful tip for keeping a Prayer Log is to use two different colors of ink: one for the requests and one for the answers/praises.
Traditional Journal:
A Traditional Prayer Journal is what most of us think of when we hear the words journaling. It is typically done by handwriting entries into a blank journal. Entries are made in sequential order and dated when written. This type of journaling works well with any “type” of journaling – devotions, scripture, spiritual journey, thanksgiving, prayer, etc.
When this form of journaling is used for Prayer, you might adjust it by sectioning your journal off by category (requests, prayers, praises, answers to prayer, favorite Scriptures, quotes, thoughts, notes, photos, etc.). It then becomes much like the Picture Prayer Journal we discussed earlier except that it is sectioned by category rather than by individual.
If handwriting is an issue, traditional journals can be kept electronically on a journal or diary-type website.
Sermon Notes:
When journaling sermon notes simply write your key points, thoughts, reflections, or notes in the margin of your Bible or in a separate notebook reserved for that purpose.
1,000 Gifts Journal:
As a journal of thanksgiving, try counting 1,000 gifts from your Heavenly Father by listing them in a standard journal. If you want to move this list into the realm of creative journaling, try adding images cut from magazines to your listing. Another option would be to photograph 1,000 gifts and from those photos create a photo journal. Venturing even more outside the box, you might consider using an app to count your gifts. I have an Android phone and use an app called Happy Diary. There are many other available apps that can be used for this type of journal. I believe there is even a 1,000 Gifts app (Ann Voskamp) that is available for iPhone/iPad.
As we wrap up our look at being creative with our journaling, it is important to remember that while I’ve been touting CREATIVE Journaling, we should not dismiss the more traditional journaling forms.
Creative or Traditional? Each is valuable. Each has its place.
Traditional:
- For those where the more creative methods would be overwhelming
- For the verbal
- For seasons of simplicity
- When it is just the right ingredient for your MIX
Creative:
- For those who can’t sit still or stay focused while doing more traditional journaling
- For the visual
- When you need to breathe fresh air into your journaling
- When it is just the right ingredient for your MIX
No matter which type of journaling you choose to engage in, you are sure to benefit from the practice. You will be blessed as the time you spend with your Heavenly Father becomes more intentional, consistent, and intimate. And you will be drawn closer to God as you lean more and more into Him.
